Page 77 of Aiden

I grin as Ashley lands on the platform after me. Her normally perfect hair is a tangled mess, which I braided for her while waiting for the guys. Aiden and Ricky are full of adrenaline after the zip line. I don’t blame them. It was exhilarating but I’m exhausted and hungry after a long day of fun, Ash too.

It was an amazing thing to see Aiden, who is normally high strung, relax and enjoy himself.

We lay under the stars on the outdoor bed back at the beach house after dinner. A perfect breeze rolls over us. Aiden’s sharp features are illuminated by the brazilin moon.

My heart pounds inside my chest. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I know I told Ian I loved him, but I had no fucking idea what I was talking about. I didn’t understand the gravity of the words then, but now I do.

I’ve wanted to tell him this entire trip, but I kept chickening out. I know all too well how short life is, what if something happens to one of us? I’ll regret every day not telling him how I felt.

How can I live with myself if he doesn’t know?

I take a deep breath, hoping to steal some of the confidence he always has.

Aiden

∞∞∞

I lift Emma’s chin, knowing she has something to say.

She takes a quick anxious breath and whispers, “I love you.”

I pretend I didn’t hear her over the raging storm. We’re protected under the patio as we lay on the outdoor bed. The rain creates a dramatic moment as I run my fingers through her soft hair.

Fuck.

“Aiden, did you hear me?” She asks quietly.

Her heart pounds against my chest.

Please, Emilia. Please don’t say it again.I silently plead with my eyes.

She takes a long deep breath. “I love you, Aiden Scott.” Her eyes hold her words.

I look away from the intensity of her gaze.She sniffles when I don’t respond.

Say something, Aiden.Fucking something. She needs me. She needs me to hold her. But, how can I?

I can feel her holding back her tears beside me. She’s so fragile right now I’m scared she will break if I touch her. Thunder roars and the air is thick. It envelopes and traps me, closing me in.

Lightning burst through the sky, illuminating her broken expression.

I need to get the fuck out of here before I suffocate.

I slide out of the bed and throw my clothes on. Her wide eyes follow my quick movements. I pace between the patio and our room, gathering a few things in a haste.

She sits on the bed, her delicate hands wiping the tears from her face. “I’m sorry, Aiden. I di–”

I cut her off with a single hand, not wanting to embarrass her further. “Emilia, please, just drop it okay?”

Her face contorts, a look of betrayal on her delicate features. “I didn’t ask you to say it back. But don’t ask me to pretend I don’t love you.” Her voice cracks at the end.

It’s like she said it once, and it’s all she can say now. Like the flood gates are open.

Fuck, I’m so fucked up. I shouldn’t be here.

She deserves more than me. She deserves more than a man who doesn’t know what to do when a girl, so innocent and sweet, says I love you to him.

I hastily shake my head, and grab my keys, exiting the beach house from the back, passing her broken face on the way out.

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